Happy New Year!
We’ve already looked back at 2019’s best gaming offerings and agreed it was a year with several high points with acclaimed titles like Resident Evil 2, Sekiro and Death Stranding gracing shelves.
While a big part of 2020 will no doubt be the dawn of next-generation hardware and all that has to offer, it also promises to offer some truly exceptional games on current consoles.
Here at CRISP. we have put together a few that we are most excited to get our hands on!
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
A personal favourite of ours, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is surely one of the most anticipated games of all time.
This beloved 1997 release is finally getting the remake treatment its fiercely loyal fanbase has been patiently waiting for.
We were fortunate enough at CRISP. to have a quick run around on the demo available at EGX 2019 and can honestly say…wow!
The updated graphics and remastered soundtrack are phenomenal as you’d expect, and the gameplay mechanics are truly where this game shows off its polish.
It’s amazing fun to play, more dynamic while managing to keep the turn-based battle mechanics synonymous with the Final Fantasy franchise.
Even though the plan to break up this epic story into episodic releases does hose down the all-consuming lust, we trust Square has put a lot of time, effort and fan service into this wonderful reimagining of the game that put Japanese role-playing games (RPGs) on the world map.
Coming out March 3rd on Playstation 4.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is a large open world, first-person, action RPG.
Set in the futuristic megalopolis of Night City, a world obsessed with power, glamour and cybernetic body modifications, you play a character named V.
Nearly everything else about your character is customisable – from gender and appearance to backstory and special skills.
With six distinct regions in the game that you can explore either on foot or in various vehicles, there is sure to be plenty of distractions to help you lose real-world hours in a flash.
As is commonplace these days, the developers have implemented story choices that players must make – both in conversations and in the open world – all with far-reaching impact beyond a bit of dialogue, making for a personalised tale and great replay value.
CD Projekt RED has designed a spectacularly deep and vibrant world we just cannot wait to explore. Let us not forget to mention the ‘breath-taking’ Keanu Reeves sprinkling a little John Wick dust on things, upping the cool factor by a fair few points.
Coming out April 16th on PS4, Xbox One, Stadia & PC
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
After the white-hot reception the Resident Evil 2 remake received – over five million units sold in 11 months – it didn’t take long for Capcom to announce they were already working on a remake of Resident Evil 3.
Following both the same formula and the story, Resident Evil 3 revamps the 1999 survival horror classic, this time without fixed camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds.
Set mere days before the events of the previous game, this tale follows a new character as she tries to escape a city during the zombie apocalypse whilst being relentlessly hunted by an unstoppable bioweapon.
With the addition of a brand new 1 v 4 online multiplayer mode, this remake looks sure to keep the loyal fan base happy, but also attract a few new curious gamers swayed by the horror genre, good gameplay, and an engaging storyline.
Coming out April 2020 on PS4, Xbox and PC
The Last of Us: Part 2
First announced back in December 2016, the long-awaited sequel to 2013’s smash hit picks up Joel and Ellie’s very human story, set in a post-apocalyptic America filled with cults, cannibals, and horrifically mutated creatures.
Developers Naughty Dog has been on great form over the past decade, creating stories and characters so incredible that new gameplay innovations and mechanics are a secondary thought to a lot of fans. We all just want to jump back into this character-driven tale as soon as possible.
Actors Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson (as not Ellen Page) both return as Joel and Ellie respectively, after their fantastic performances in the previous game.
There will be four separate pre-order editions available, each coming with various collector trinkets, and in-game bonuses and abilities, so this might be a good time to jump on the early buyers’ bandwagon.
Coming out May 29th exclusively on PS4.
Ghost of Tsushima
An action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions will be a PlayStation exclusive that takes us into a spectacular rendition of feudal Japan.
The fearsome Mongol empire has invaded the Island of Tsushima, decimated everything and everyone. You play one of the last surviving samurai who must rise up and forego his honour and tradition to wage a war for the heart and soul of Japan.
The large open world can be explored without any waypoints, giving the player the freedom to take on the meticulously designed regions in a variety of ways.
A dynamic landscape and organic approach to combat offers a multitude of gameplay options. The combat combines Katana duels, ranged attacks, distraction, deception, and of course stealth kills.
Don’t snooze on this one, we think it’ll be a sleeper hit!
Coming this Summer, exclusively to PS4.
Honourable Mentions
Marvels Avengers – The developers at Crystal Dynamics have been beavering away on this one since wrapping up the rebooted Tomb Raider trilogy.
Players get to take on the roles of all their favourite MCU Avengers in this original story. All these are the potential ingredients for a very successful release, with real games-as-a-service hook a whole new fanbase.
Doom: Eternal – This sequel to 2016’s hit, brings back Doom guy for more fast-paced shooter action. Expect more speed, slick gunplay, and all-out general awesomeness.
